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The Scottish pilot helping to make space tourism a reality

16 July 2019

In February 2019, David Mackay from Sutherland flew a mission as part of Virgin Galactic’s attempts to advance the prospect of space tourism — making him the first Scottish-born person in space.

“It’s an incredible experience,” he said.

“When you light the rocket motor, the acceleration comes on very quickly. We accelerate through the sound barrier in about 8 seconds.”

David returned to his hometown of Helmsdale and gave a talk to the local community, including many enthusiastic children. But the space pilot was almost as enthusiastic to be in Helsmdale as the children were to have him share his experience.

“It’s good for the soul to come home.”

David Mackay becomes the first ever Scot to go into space!

Scotland makes history with it's first ever astronaut.

The Scottish pilot who wants to fly to space

In 2012, David Mackay spoke to 大象传媒 News about being the chief pilot for Virgin Galactic and his hopes of taking commercial airline flights outside Earth鈥檚 atmosphere.
David took a children鈥檚 book on his mission

In 1964, David was given the Ladybird hardback Exploring Space for his good attendance at Sunday school in Helmsdale.

A journey into space 鈥� from Sutherland

Ian Marchant visits the A'Mhoine peninsula, a boggy Highland wilderness that could be the UK鈥檚 first spaceport.
Scottish space industry soaring high

While Scotland makes up less than 9% of the UK population, it accounts for 18% of jobs in the UK space industry.
Why is Scotland a prime rocket launch site?

Scotland has a number of regions which look attractive to aerospace companies looking to develop launch sites for rockets.

Liam Quinn was always fascinated by space, so he decided to get a job making satellites.

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